Forklift / FLT Theory Test Practice Guide

The forklift theory element is the underpinning knowledge an operator needs to work a counterbalance, reach or rough-terrain truck safely. In the UK there is no single national exam — the theory is delivered and assessed by your accredited training provider, typically working to RTITB, ITSSAR, AITT or NPORS standards. This page gives you RTITB / ITSSAR-style practice you can use alongside (not instead of) an accredited course.

New operators preparing for a Basic course, experienced operators getting ready for refresher training, warehouse and logistics staff brushing up before a workplace assessment, and anyone revising for an FLT operator theory element. Useful whether you're training on counterbalance, reach, side-loader or pivot-steer trucks.

Site rules and segregation of vehicles and pedestrians, speed limits, blind spots, refuelling and battery charging safety, working at height (cages and order pickers), lone-working risks, and the role of HSE guidance L117 (Rider-operated lift trucks: operator training and safe use).

Daily walkaround and pre-shift inspection: tyres, forks and heel wear, mast chains, hydraulic hoses for leaks, horn, lights and reversing beepers, seat belt, hand and foot brakes, data plate and capacity rating, battery condition or fuel level. Reporting and tagging-out defective trucks.

The stability triangle and how the centre of gravity shifts with the load, load centre distance, residual capacity at height and reach, picking up and setting down loads correctly, tilt and side-shift use, travelling with the load tilted back and at a safe height, ramps and inclines.

Pedestrians and other vehicles, racking damage and the safe stop reporting cycle, spills and contamination, overhead obstructions, loading bays and dock edges, weather conditions for outdoor work, recovering a tipped truck, near-miss reporting.

Hi-vis, safety boots, head protection in designated areas, gloves and eye protection for battery work, hearing protection where required. Recognising statutory signs (prohibition, mandatory, warning, safe condition) and site-specific markings — pedestrian walkways, racking labels, capacity plates.

Only operate trucks you are trained and authorised on, keep certificates and refresher training current, follow site rules and the safe system of work, report defects, never let untrained colleagues drive, and stop work if conditions become unsafe.

Travelling with the forks raised, exceeding the rated capacity for the load centre and height, sharp turns at speed, ignoring tyre or mast damage, charging batteries in unventilated areas, removing or bypassing the seat belt, and assuming a refresher isn't needed because the truck 'feels familiar'.

See the questions and answers below for the points learners ask most often before booking a course or refresher.